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Kale Blueberry Superfood Salad - Fresh, Bright, and Satisfying

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Kale: 1 large bunch (curly or lacinato), stems removed
  • Blueberries: 1 to 1½ cups, fresh
  • Avocado: 1 ripe, diced
  • Cucumber: 1 small, chopped (Persian or English preferred)
  • Red onion or shallot: ¼ small onion or 1 shallot, thinly sliced
  • Toasted nuts or seeds: ½ cup (almonds, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds)
  • Feta or goat cheese (optional): ½ cup, crumbled
  • Cooked grain (optional): 1 cup quinoa or farro for extra heft
  • Tahini: 3 tablespoons
  • Lemon juice: 3 tablespoons, fresh
  • Olive oil: 2 tablespoons
  • Honey or maple syrup: 1 to 2 teaspoons
  • Dijon mustard: 1 teaspoon
  • Garlic: 1 small clove, finely grated
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Water: 1 to 3 tablespoons, to thin

Method
 

  1. Prep the kale. Strip the leaves from the stems and chop the leaves into bite-size pieces. Rinse, spin dry, and place in a large bowl.
  2. Make the dressing. In a jar or bowl, whisk tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, honey or maple, Dijon, garlic, salt, and pepper. Add water a little at a time until it’s creamy and pourable.
  3. Massage the kale. Drizzle 2 to 3 tablespoons of dressing over the kale. Use your hands to massage for 30 to 60 seconds until the leaves darken and soften.
  4. Add the mix-ins. Toss in blueberries, cucumber, and red onion. If using grains, add them now so they can soak up some dressing.
  5. Fold in creamy elements. Gently add avocado and feta or goat cheese, if using. Avoid overmixing to keep the avocado intact.
  6. Top with crunch. Sprinkle toasted nuts or seeds over the salad. Reserve a handful for serving if you like extra crunch.
  7. Taste and adjust. Add more dressing, salt, pepper, or lemon to balance flavors. The goal is bright, creamy, and lightly sweet with a little bite.
  8. Serve. Plate immediately for peak texture, or let it sit 10 minutes to meld flavors. Both ways work.